History

Austin Free-Net is a non-profit formed in 1995 to ensure that the power of computers and the Internet is accessible by all in the Greater Austin community. We help to empower people to find meaningful employment, obtain resources and take control of their lives. We teach basic computer skills, creating hope and self-sufficient computer users.

1995

Incorporated Austin Free-Net

200 Booker T. Washington public housing development residents were taught how to use computers, scanners, digital cameras and other technology

Hosted first “Nothin’ But FREE-Net” community fair

Austin Free-Net selected by Austin’s ITEC and Government Solutions Expo to receive portion of attendance proceeds

1996

Opened the East Austin Media Lab

Recognized by then-President Bill Clinton for developing an effective model of technology access

Conducted summer technology programs where children from East Austin learned to use computers and published their own web pages

Opened Sematech-sponsored computer site at Montopolis Recreation Center

Received $206,900 grant from the Texas State Library for public access in all Austin libraries

Received $246,979 grant from the US Department of Commerce for the East Austin Community Network

1997

Opened the East Austin Internet Training Lab at the DeWitty Center

Furnished Free-Net sites in all Austin public libraries with computers and ISDN access

Awarded $25,000 grant from Apple Computer for upgrades to the East Austin Media Lab

Received recognition for our work in the full-power transition to digital television from then-Chief, Media Bureau National DTV Transition Coordinator: “You provided the local knowledge and expertise that the FCC could not have duplicated under such tight deadlines.”

2010

Received the $9.3-million-dollar grant from Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) to continue our work in reducing the digital divide

Received $24,000 grant from the City of Austin Grant for Technology Opportunities (GTOP)

Held first Technology Certification Preparatory Class

Re-instituted Fix-Net Technical Services

Began contracting training with Austin Independent School District

Began contracting training with Boys & Girls Club of Austin

Hosted first-ever Broadband Across Texas Week

2013

Received $24,000 grant from the City of Austin Grant for Technology Opportunities (GTOP)

Received grant for fund raising strategies from Greenlights for Nonprofit Success

Received Shield-Ayres Foundation award

Received the Hammill Foundation award

Celebrated 2-Million Training Hours for TXC2

Participated in the University of Texas Digital Literacy in Texas Colloquium and Conference. There Executive Director, Juanita Budd, discussed the successes of the Broadband Technology Opportunities (BTOP) Grant.